STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

This Day in Black History: June 13, 2005

Michael Jackson was acquitted of 10 counts of child molestation on June 13, 2005.

Michael Jackson was exonerated of child molestation, conspiracy and alcohol charges by a California jury on June 13, 2005. The charges would have sent him to prison for nearly 20 years.

The boy who accused Jackson of molestation was shown holding hands with the singer in a documentary, Living With Michael Jackson, which aired in February 2003. Jackson defended his practice of letting boys sleep in his bed and called it “loving.” Authorities searched his Neverland ranch in November 2003 and charges were filed against him in December 2003.

Jackson was indicted by a grand jury in April 2004. The jury deliberated 32 hours in seven days before delivering the verdict of “not guilty.” A large crowd of fans wept and cheered after hearing the news. The singer reportedly wiped his tears after hearing of his acquittal, an emotional response to a nearly two-year ordeal of media scrutiny.   

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop DoggR. Kelly, Erykah BaduKendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets. Sign up now to attend free film screenings, celebrity basketball games and more.

 (Photo: Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.